Adjustable trash bin lid controller

ABSTRACT

A foot operated trash bin lid controller which includes a rear base having opposite ends, a first side base coupled to one of the opposite ends of the rear base, a second side base coupled to another of the opposite ends of the rear base, a pivotal arm having a front end that can pivotally move upward and downward, a lid hook that extends inwardly from the front end of the pivotal arm, an upright support member having opposite ends that are coupled between a rear portion of the second side base and a rear end of the pivotal arm, a pivotal foot pedal bar having a front end and a rear end and a vertical linkage member having opposite ends that are coupled between the rear end of the pivotal foot pedal bar and a rear portion of the pivotal arm. Depressing the front end of the pivotal pedal bar causes the front end of the pivotal arm to move upward. The length of at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member is adjustable so as to allow the foot operated trash bin lid controller to be used with different sized trash bins.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/072,780 filed Apr. 2, 2008, to which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120 and of which the entire disclosure is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to refuse containers or trash bins that include pivotal lids that are manually raised when refuse or trash is deposited therein. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a foot operated mechanism that provides for the controlled opening and closing of the pivotal lids of refuse containers or trash bins

BACKGROUND ART

Heavy wheel-mounted refuse containers or trash bins adapted to be lifted by the lifting mechanism of large refuse or trash trucks are common. These containers are generally rectangular in shape and have one or two lids pivotally secured to the top. The lids are manually raised and the refuse is deposited therein. When the refuse containers are partially or substantially full, refuse trucks position towards the forward portion of the containers, the lifting mechanism of the trucks are engaged with the containers, and the containers are raised and dumped, and the contents thereof are dumped into the truck. The container is then lowered to the ground or supporting surface to be manually filled again over a period of time.

One of the drawbacks of these refuse containers or trash bins is that the lids must be manually raised and held in an open position while the refuse or trash is dumped therein. This manipulation requires that a person doing the dumping must lift the bag of refuse, trash or the like with one hand while the other hand is used to lift and hold the lid in an open position. This makes the placement of refuse in the container difficult for many younger and older people and inconvenient for all persons. When one has both hands full he or she might try to lift the lid of a refuse container or trash bin with his or her elbow, or otherwise empty one hand in order to lift the lid.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,200 to Armor discloses a leg operated trash barrel lid controller that has a lever assembly 12 that includes a rotary axle or shaft and two lifting arms 20 that extend around either side of a trash barrel.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,218 to Reiling discloses a lid control device for refuse containers that is permanently attached to a refuse container.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,348 to Baker et al. discloses a child resistant step-on receptacle that is also permanently attached to a refuse container.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,639,113 to Kriz discloses a trash can holder that includes a holder for holding the trash can upright and a mechanism for lifting the container lid. The container lid is permanently attached to the lifting mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,199,531 to Davis discloses a receptacle support and cover and locking means that includes a bail shaped lever 13 that extends around the circumference of the receptacle. The cover is permanently attached to the cover lifting mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,195,482 to Legat et al. discloses a closure for garbage receptacles and the like that includes a closure lifting mechanism that is configured to be coupled to a top central portion of a receptacle closure.

Of the above-identified prior art references, only U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,200 to Armor teaches a lid lifting mechanism that is designed and configured to be used in conjunction with modern wheel-mounted refuse containers or trash bins. In this regard, only Armor teach a lid lifting mechanism that is removable from a trash barrel so that the trash barrel can be wheeled from a storage location to a pick-up location where a truck can raise the trash barrel and dump the contents thereof into the truck.

However, as shown in the various figures, Armor requires that the trash barrel be “parked” or positioned into the lifting mechanism in such a way that requires enough access and a large clearance space behind the lifting mechanism to manipulate and move the trash barrel into and out of the lifting mechanism. This can take up valuable room in a storage location.

Further, each of the lifting mechanisms of the above-identified prior art references is size-specific to the particular refuse containers or trash bins disclosed.

The present invention provides a foot operated mechanism that allows for the controlled opening and closing of the pivotal lids of refuse containers or trash bins of various sizes and which foot operated mechanism allows for storage of the refuse containers or trash bins in such a manner that does not obstruct front access or forward removal of the refuse containers or trash bins.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to various features, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides a foot operated trash bin lid controller which includes:

-   -   a lower assembly that includes:         -   a rear base having opposite ends,         -   a first side base coupled to one of the opposite ends of the             rear base, and         -   a second side base coupled to another of the opposite ends             of the rear base;     -   an upper assembly that includes:         -   a pivotal arm having a front end that can pivotally move             upward and downward, and         -   a lid hook that extends inwardly from the front end of the             pivotal arm;     -   an upright support member having opposite ends that are coupled         between a rear portion of the second side base and a rear end of         the pivotal arm;     -   a pivotal foot pedal bar having a front end and a rear end; and     -   a vertical linkage member having opposite ends that are coupled         between the rear end of the pivotal foot pedal bar and a rear         portion of the pivotal arm,

whereby depressing the front end of the pivotal pedal bar causes the front end of the pivotal arm to move upward, and

wherein the length of at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member is adjustable.

The present invention further provides the combination of the foot operated trash bin lid controller with a trash bin having a pivotal lid.

The present invention also provides a method of using the foot operated trash bin lid controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of lid controller according to one embodiment of the present as it would appear when coupled to a trash bin.

FIG. 2 is a front prospective view of lid controller of FIG. 1 without a trash bin couple thereto.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a foot operated mechanism that provides for the controlled opening and closing of the pivotal lids of refuse containers or trash bins. As used herein, the terms refuse containers and trash bins refer to similar containers/receptacles that are provided with pivotal lids. These containers/receptacles typically include at least two wheels, but can include more wheels or no wheels. The lids can be pivotally coupled to a side (rear side) of the containers/receptacles or pivotally coupled to a handle or handles that are provided at the top rear of the containers/receptacles.

The foot operated mechanism of the present invention is fully adjustable so that it can be size-adjusted to the width and height of various refuse containers and trash bins that have pivotal lids.

FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of lid controller according to one embodiment of the present as it would appear when coupled to a trash bin. In FIG. 1 a trash bin 1 is shown in broken or phantom lines. As shown, the adjustable trash bin lid controller mechanism of the present invention includes a lower assembly 2 that includes a first side base 3, a second side base 4, and a rear base 5 that is coupled between the first side base 3 and the second side base 4.

The rear base 5 includes a first outer portion 6 and a second inner portion 7 which is telescopically received in the first outer portion 6. According to one embodiment, the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 is provided with a plurality of spaced apart holes 8 that can be adjustable aligned to receive a mechanical fastener therein, such as a threaded fastener (e.g. bolt or screw) a pin, clip, etc. so as to allow adjustment of the length of the rear base 5 and thus width adjustment of the lower assembly 2 to receive and be compatible with trash bins 1 of various sizes/widths.

In an alternative embodiment the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 could include a detent mechanism (or mechanisms) such as biased (e.g. spring-biased) pins or balls that extend into one or more aligned holes 8 in the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5. While the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 are illustrated as being rectangular/square cross-sectional shaped tubular members, in a further alternative embodiment, they would have circular cross-sectional shapes and be threadedly coupled together in an adjustable manner so that rotating one of the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 with respect to the other would lengthen or shorter their combined length.

Other manners of providing for length adjustment of the rear base 5 could include the use of different lengths of one or both of the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 that can be coupled together and secured with one or more mechanical fasteners as discussed above.

There are other manners of configuring the first outer portion 6 and the second inner portion 7 of the rear base 5 so as to provide for overall length adjustment of the rear base which are compatible with the present invention.

A pivotal foot pedal bar 9 is coupled to the second side base 4 by an upstanding bracket 10. A pivot pin 11 extends through the upstanding bar 10 and foot pedal bar 9 so as to provide a pivotal connection between the foot pedal bar 9 and the second side base 4. A foot pedal pad 9′ is provided on the front end of the foot pedal bar 9. The foot pedal bar 9 can be solid or hollow and be tubular or have an opened lower channel. Rather than have the pivot pin 11 extend through the foot pedal bar 9, the sides of the foot pedal bar 9 could be provided with aligned channels or notches into which the pivot pin 11 is received by placing the foot pedal bar 9 over the pivot pin 11 and within the top portion of the upstanding bracket 10. The pivot pin 11 can be a threaded or partially threaded member or a non-threaded pin.

The lower assembly 2 is coupled to the upper assembly 12 by an upright support member 13 and vertical linkage member 14. The upright support member 13 includes an upright lower support member 15 and an upright upper support member 16 that is telescopically received in the upright lower support member 15. The upright lower support member 15 and an upright upper support member 16 are depicted as having a plurality of spaced apart holes 17 that can be adjustable aligned to receive a mechanical fastener therein, such as a threaded fastener (e.g. bolt or screw) a pin, clip, etc. so as to allow adjustment of the length of the upright support member 13 and thus height adjustment of the upright support member 13 to receive and be compatible with trash bins 1 of various sizes/heights. Other manners of providing for length adjustment of the upright support member can be similar as discussed above in reference to the rear base 5, e.g. the use of mechanical fasteners, such as a threaded fasteners (e.g. bolts or screws) a pins, clips, etc., detent mechanisms, threadedly coupled together (and circular cross-sectioned) upright lower support member 15 and upright upper support member 16, the use of different lengths of one or both of the upright lower support member 15 and upright upper support member 16, etc.

The vertical linkage member 14 includes a vertical lower linkage member 18 and a vertical upper linkage member 19 that is telescopically received in the vertical lower linkage member 18. The vertical lower linkage member 18 and vertical upper linkage member 19 are depicted as having a plurality of spaced apart holes 20 that can be adjustable aligned to receive a mechanical fastener therein, such as a threaded fastener (e.g. bolt or screw) a pin, clip, etc. so as to allow adjustment of the length of the vertical linkage member 14 and thus height adjustment of the vertical linkage member 14 to receive and be compatible with trash bins 1 of various sizes/heights. Other manners of providing for length adjustment of the vertical linkage member can be similar as discussed above in reference to the rear base 5, e.g. the use of mechanical fasteners, such as a threaded fasteners (e.g. bolts or screws) a pins, clips, etc., detent mechanisms, threadedly coupled together (and circular cross-sectioned) vertical lower linkage member 18 and vertical upper linkage member 19, the use of different lengths of one or both of the vertical lower linkage member 18 and vertical upper linkage member 19, etc.

The upper assembly 12 includes a pivotal arm 21 that can be activated to raise or lower the lid 22 of the trash bin 1. The pivotal arm 21 includes a rear end 23 that is pivotally coupled to the top of the upright support member 13. In this regard a small yoke or yoke-shaped bracket 24 can be provided on the top of the upright support member 13 into which the rear end 23 of the pivotal arm 21 can be received and secured with a pivot pin 25 which can be a threaded or partially threaded member or a non-threaded pin. It is to be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the yoke or yoke-shaped bracket 24 could be provided on the rear end of pivotal arm 21 and the top of the upright support member 13 could be received in the yoke or yoke-shaped bracket 24.

The top end 26 of the vertical linkage member 14 is pivotally coupled to the pivotal arm 21 a predetermined distance from the pivotal connection between the rear of the pivotal arm 21 and top of the upright support member 13. Again a small yoke or yoke-shaped bracket 27 can be provided on the top end 26 of the vertical linkage member 14 and the pivotal arm 21 can be received therein and secured with a pin 28 which can be a threaded or partially threaded member or a non-threaded pin. Alternatively, the small yoke or yoke-shaped bracket 27 can be provided on the pivotal arm 21 and the top end 26 of the vertical linkage member 14 and the can be received therein and secured with pin 28.

The front end 29 of the pivotal arm 21 includes a lid hook 30 that is configured to extend under the side edge of the lid 22 of the trash bin 1. The lid hook 30 is depicted as being an elongate member that extends at a right angle from the pivot arm 21. In alternative embodiments, the lid hook 30 can have any suitable configuration, including for example a triangular shape, a hooked-shape (rather than substantially planar), or any shape that will engage the lid 22 of the trash bin 1. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid hook can be configured to pivot from a portion where it is axially aligned with the pivotal arm 21 to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This will allow the lid hook 30 to be positioned on the top of the side wall of the trash bin 1 beneath the lid 22 as discussed below and removed after a trash bin is positioned or “parked” in the lower assembly 2 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a front prospective view of lid controller of FIG. 1 without a trash bin couple thereto. As best shown in FIG. 2 a support bracket 31 is coupled between rear base 5 and upright support member 13. The configuration and position of this support bracket 31 and be varied as long as it does not interfere with the trash bin 1 when the trash bin 1 is positioned within the lower assembly 2. Also shown in FIG. 2 are surface brackets 32 which extend from each of the first side base 3 and second side base 4. These surface brackets 32 help steady the lower assembly 2 and, if desired can be attached to a floor or other surface with mechanical fasteners such as threaded members, rivets, nails, etc.

In operation, one positions or “parks” a trash bin in the lower assembly 2 as shown in FIG. 1 and positions the lid hook 30 on the top of the side wall of the trash bin 1 beneath the lid 22. Before the foot pedal pad 9′ is stepped on, the pivotal arm 21 is in the position shown in FIG. 2. The weight of the vertical linkage member 14 and pivotal arm 21 are sufficient to push the rear of the foot pedal bar 9 downwards. If necessary or desired, a spring element can be coupled between the rear of the foot pedal bar 9 and rear of the second side base 4.

When the foot pedal pad 9′ is stepped on or otherwise pushed downward the foot pedal bar 9 pivots with the front portion moving downward and the rear portion moving upward. As the rear portion of the foot pedal bar 9 moves upward it lifts the vertical linkage member 14. As the vertical linkage member 14 moves upward the front of the pivot arm 21 moves upward so that the lid hook 30 catches beneath a side edge of the lid 22 of trash bin 1 and lifts the lid 22 open as shown in FIG. 1. In this position a person can drop trash bags and other refuse into the trash bin 1. Releasing pressure from the foot pedal pad 9′ allows the vertical linkage member 14 to move downward so that the pivotal arm 21 returns to the position shown in FIG. 2. Once the trash bin 1 is full it can be easily wheeled out from the lower assembly 2 and taken to a location where a trash collection truck will remove the contents of the bin 1.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 1, the ability to adjust the length of the rear base 5, upright support member 13 and vertical linkage member 14 allows the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention to fully height and width adjustable to receive and functionally operate with any conventionally sized trash bin 1. The trash bin shown in FIG. 1 represents a conventional 96-gallon sized trash bin 1. Trash bins ranging from 20 gallons to 100 gallons and larger could be used with the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention.

Further, since there are no parts or elements that are coupled directly to a trash bin 1, a trash bin 1 can be easily positioned within the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention and easily removed. Also, as show, since a trash bin 1 is positioned within the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention and removed from the front, the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention can be conveniently positioned against a wall in a storage facility such as a garage and thus require a minimum amount of space for use.

While the foot operated trash bin lid controller of the present invention is shown in the figures as having a configuration in which the foot pedal mechanism, upright support 13, vertical linkage member 14 and pivotal arm are on the right side, it is to be understood that the foot pedal mechanism, upright support 13, vertical linkage member 14 and pivotal arm can be configured to be on the left side of the foot operated trash bin lid controller.

The various elements of the foot operated trash bin lid controller can be made from metals such as steels, or rigid plastic materials and by extrusion fabrication processes. While square, tubular elements are depicted, it is to be understood that these depicted elements can have any cross-sectional shape such as triangular, circular, etc. Moreover these elements can have open channel shapes, e.g. three walls, or even angled cross-sections, e.g. two walls. The pivotal connections can have friction reducing elements such as plastic bushings if desired.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described above. 

1. A foot operated trash bin lid controller which comprises: a lower assembly that includes: a rear base having opposite ends, a first side base coupled to one of the opposite ends of the rear base, and a second side base coupled to another of the opposite ends of the rear base; an upper assembly that includes: a pivotal arm having a front end that can pivotally move upward and downward, and a lid hook that extends inwardly from the front end of the pivotal arm; an upright support member having opposite ends that are coupled between a rear portion of the second side base and a rear end of the pivotal arm; a pivotal foot pedal bar having a front end and a rear end; and a vertical linkage member having opposite ends that are coupled between the rear end of the pivotal foot pedal bar and a rear portion of the pivotal arm, whereby depressing the front end of the pivotal pedal bar causes the front end of the pivotal arm to move upward, and wherein the length of at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member is adjustable.
 2. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein the rear base, first side base and second side base form a support base that has an unobstructed open front portion.
 3. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein the length of both of the upright support member and vertical linkage member are adjustable.
 4. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein the length of each of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member are adjustable.
 5. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member comprises a telescopic assembly.
 6. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein each of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member comprises a telescopic assembly.
 7. A foot operated trash bin lid controller according to claim 1, wherein the lid hook is pivotally coupled to the front end of the pivotal arm.
 8. A foot operated trash bin lid controller in combination with a trash bin which combination comprises: a foot operated trash bin lid controller that includes: a lower assembly including: a rear base having opposite ends, a first side base coupled to one of the opposite ends of the rear base, and a second side base coupled to another of the opposite ends of the rear base; an upper assembly that including: a pivotal arm having a front end that can pivotally move upward and downward, and a lid hook that extends inwardly from the front end of the pivotal arm; an upright support member having opposite ends that are coupled between a rear portion of the second side base and a rear end of the pivotal arm; a pivotal foot pedal bar having a front end and a rear end; and a vertical linkage member having opposite ends that are coupled between the rear end of the pivotal foot pedal bar and a rear portion of the pivotal arm; and a trash bin having a pivotal lid, whereby depressing the front end of the pivotal pedal bar causes the front end of the pivotal arm to move upward and open the lid of the trash bin, and wherein the length of at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member is adjustable.
 9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the trash bin comprises wheels.
 10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the trash bin is generally rectangular.
 11. The combination of claim 8, wherein the lid hook is removable positioned between a top of a side of the trash bin and the lid of the trash bin.
 12. The combination of claim 8, wherein the rear base, first side base and second side base form a support base that has an unobstructed open front portion that allows the trash bin to be positioned in or removed from the support base.
 13. The combination of claim 8, wherein the length of each of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member are adjustable.
 14. The combination of claim 8, wherein at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member comprises a telescopic assembly.
 15. The combination of claim 8, wherein each of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member comprises a telescopic assembly.
 16. The combination of claim 8, wherein the lid hook is pivotally coupled to the front end of the pivotal arm.
 17. A method of opening a trash bin which comprises: providing a foot operated trash bin lid controller that includes: a lower assembly including: a rear base having opposite ends, a first side base coupled to one of the opposite ends of the rear base, and a second side base coupled to another of the opposite ends of the rear base; an upper assembly that including: a pivotal arm having a front end that can pivotally move upward and downward, and a lid hook that extends inwardly from the front end of the pivotal arm; an upright support member having opposite ends that are coupled between a rear portion of the second side base and a rear end of the pivotal arm; a pivotal foot pedal bar having a front end and a rear end; and a vertical linkage member having opposite ends that are coupled between the rear end of the pivotal foot pedal bar and a rear portion of the pivotal arm; providing a trash bin having a pivotal lid; positioning the trash bin between the first side base and the second side base and in front of the rear base; positioning the lid hook between a top of a side of the trash bin and the lid of the trash bin; and depressing the front end of the pivotal pedal bar so as to cause the front end of the pivotal arm to move upward and open the lid of the trash bin.
 18. A method of opening a trash bin according to claim 17, further comprising adjusting the length of at least one of the rear base, upright support member and vertical linkage member 